Original Timing Belt at 117K miles

oops, meant to mention that she got a quote of around $475 for the replacement of the Timing Belt and Water Pump. This is in northeastern NJ, in the NY metro area.

J.

I seem to remember that the earlier Camrys had a 60K belt change interval.

In any case she is way overdue. Saving the money isn't going to seem too important when the car breaks down some night in a not-so-nice area of Jersey.

But, it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time.

Not sure about the V6.

Wow, it's expensive. Did cost me less than that in Canadian dollars 2 years ago on my 93 Camry. But, anyway, $475 to replace belt/pump is cheaper than a new engine.

The engine is a "non-interference" design, which means that if the belt breaks, the pistons will not hit the valves. Still, it should now be changed.

You cannot easily determine its condition by a quick inspection as it is behind a plastic cover. Old belts will be stretched, perhaps cracked in places, and "hairy" looking on the edges.

Geoff

Yota is always running specials for $199 for the timing belt --- let the water pump be if they say it isn't leaking or turning rough.

Get a coupon if you want to change it at the dealer. The tech will make a call on the water pump, but you are at 117K miles you should change out the pump, the oil seals and pulleys.

replace the waterpump and there are several oil seals there that should be changed out as well. Your overdue for a belt.